Effect on South American Check-list: This proposal changes
slightly the linear sequence of the genera in Turdidae by moving Cichlopsis
next to Entomodestes.

Background: Hellmayr (1934) treated this species, the Rufous-brown
Solitaire, in the monotypic genus Cichlopsis. Ripley (1964) and
Meyer de Schauensee (1966, 1970) merged Cichlopsis into Myadestes,
without providing any explicit rationale. Ridgely & Tudor (1989) provided
qualitative arguments for the resurrection of Cichlopsis, and this has
been followed by most recent authors (e.g., Sibley & Monroe 1990). To
reflect its supposed close relationship to Myadestes, its position in
all recent linear sequences has been next to Myadestes, including,
therefore, ours.

Klicka
et al. (2005) used mtDNA sequence data (cyt b and ND2) to produce a
phylogenetic hypothesis for relationships among the genera of "true"
thrushes. Their results are consistent with our classification except for two
things: (1) Platycichla is very likely embedded within Turdus
(no surprise), and (2) Cichlopsis is no more closely related to Myadestes
than is any other New World thrush other than North American Sialia bluebirds,
and the sister genus of Cichlopsis is Entomodestes. Support for their sister relationship is
strong (100% bootstrap in maximum parsimony and >95% Bayesian posterior
probability).

Analysis: The genetic data are solid. Biogeographically, this makes sense
as well. I am unaware of any actual data that would conflict with a sister
relationship between the two genera. Klicka et al. (2005) even proposed that
the two genera be merged (and that can be the subject of a follow-up proposal).

Recommendation: A minor change in linear sequence will make our
classification consistent with the latest genetic data, so I strongly recommend
a YES on this one.

Comments from Zimmer: "YES. The molecular data are compelling,
and are consistent with vocal, behavioral and ecological characters, all of
which point to a closer relationship of Cichlopsis to Entomodestes."

Comments from Robbins: "YES. Klicka et al. provide convincing
genetic data for such an arrangement. However, I'm less convinced that Cichlopsis
should be synonymized under Entomodestes."

Comments from Stiles: "YES. The genetic evidence seems solid -
and based on morphology, I would be reluctant to lump Entomodestes and Cichlopsis -
they're quite different in proportions as well as coloration."